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 HUGE improvement over cardboard and paper, but some minor problemsJul 07, 2010
I bought the M&D Lace & Trace Farm AND the Lace & Trace Pets for my almost-4-year-old. As I type, she's having a ball with the pets set. I can see hours of enjoyment coming, and I can certainly see that it's going to be a challenge for her hand-eye coordination skills -- something all kids need to develop.
Speaking as an adult, I am absolutely tickled pink to have found sets of cut-outs that are made of something that's not going to bend or tear, like the ones I had when I was a kid. These cut-outs are sturdy, 1/8" thick wood. It's going to take a lot more than general wear and tear to ruin these puppies! In fact, I can even see getting them out for my grandchild(ren) to play with one day. They're that well-made. On that score, I give them a full five stars and would give more if possible.
The laces, though, are rather another story. After less than an hour's play time, they're already showing signs of wear. They're made of some sort of braided nylon-type material that snags a little too easily on just about anything (including the pre-drilled holes in the wooden cut-outs), so I'm already reminding my preschooler not to let the cat play with them. Though they're color-coordinated with the edges of the cut-outs, my daughter hasn't noticed and probably wouldn't care if she did; I'm sure I'll be able to replace the laces pretty easily if they get too snagged and ratty. Still, it would have made more sense to make them out of something less "snaggable."
One last thing would have made this a fully five-star item in my book: Some sort of lid on the box, or perhaps a soft-sided carrying tote. These sets come in a flat wooden box with two compartments -- one for the cut-outs, one for the laces. While the laces and cut-outs do fit back into the box with little trouble, there's nothing to KEEP them in the box -- no lid, no straps, nothing. If it had come with some sort of lid, problem solved, but I think I'm going to have to buy some sort of tote that zips or snaps shut, so my daughter can keep everything in one place easily.
Still, as I said before, this is one heck of a durable set of cut-outs. I am very happy with the purchase and, more the point, so is my daughter!
Great for fine motor skills and keeps my son busy!Jun 16, 2010
My son, 4, loves to play with these. While he hasn't mastered the technique perfectly, he enjoys lacing them up and these will keep him occupied for a long time. I think they are great for long car trips! I was a little disappointed in the quality. The animals are a bit chintzy and after one time of playing with them, the end of one of the laces was coming undone. I also wish there was a top on this tray as it's pretty much useless after the plastic wrapping is torn off. Overall, I would recommend this item to keep little hands and minds busy and the animals are pretty cute!
 Doesn't seem like fun, but it is.May 04, 2010
I bought this toy for my 3 year old who is having a little trouble with her fine motor skills. The animals are sturdy and put up with her "abuse." She likes to arrange them on the floor and she is trying to lace them with the colorful strings. I feel this toy will help her a lot with her eye-hand coordination as well.
My 2 year old loves itMar 05, 2010
Good for hand eye coordination for toddlers.Very colorfull. Helps not only with hand skills but also i can teach my son animals and colors. My son is still to young , needs a lot of help with this toy , but he does enjoy playing with it. Only negative is it is open box, no lid on the box to store it. Parts can easly get lost.
Quiet-Time Activity With Fun ShapesFeb 25, 2010
The shapes are just adorable and the child can do as much as they are ready to do. As usual, Melissa & Doug toys are creative and sturdy, just the kind of a toy to have handy for times when you want children to play quietly for a while. They are also great for days when the weather keeps you from outside activities or if you want children to learn how to play together without getting in the way of each other.
The children learn hand/eye coordination, colors, and shapes.
I think this one is a keeper.
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based on 14 reviews
